Stunning Landscapes in the South of France and the Beautiful Horses of Camargue

May 15 – 24, 2024

The South of France offers a stunning diversity of subjects for landscape photography. Sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves, and fields of wildflowers are all set against a background of rolling hills, mountains, and extraordinary geological history. Perhaps the most unique aspect, though, is the dozens of colorful medieval fortified villages perched on the sides of hills, each filled with charm, age-old history, and special character.

But we will start our trip with some of the most exciting action photography on the planet: the white horses of the Camargue. With help from the Camargue cowboys—the guardians—who will be dressed in typical Camargue horse rider’s clothing and carrying their traditional wooden lance—we will take pictures of these magnificent horses as they run in the Camargue’s marshlands, lagoons, and beach. It is an unforgettable experience for any photographer.

We’ve crafted our itinerary to comfortably cover the best areas we know in this stunning area of the world and to provide the most incredible diversity of photo opportunities. Our accommodations are among the best and most comfortable available. We’ll enjoy fabulous French cuisine; everything is all-inclusive, including gratuities for our excellent English-speaking local guides.

Expect to be challenged and to learn a lot in this workshop. We will be beside you in the field and later in the classroom for Lightroom post-processing instruction. We’ll also have our signature image reviews.

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Location

South of France

money
Tuition

$10,495

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Dates

May 15 – 24, 2024

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Availability

1 Spot Left
Limited to 8 Guests

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

May 15, 2024: Arrive at the Marseille, France airport today. Our welcome dinner and trip briefing will be at our hotel.

May 16, 2024: We will transfer to our hotel in the Camargue region of the south of France, where we will prepare you for the next four days of some of the most fantastic photography sessions you will ever experience – the Camargue horses. The first session will be tonight before sunset.

May 17–18, 2024: Over these two days, we will photograph the Camargue horses running and playing in marshes, on the beach, and galloping through the water of a shallow lagoon. Between shoots, we will have our signature image review sessions to help you create better images each time we visit the ranches. On our last evening, we’ll be dining at our hotel and entertained by a duo of Camargue gypsy musicians and their unique brand of lively flamenco guitar.

May 19, 2024: Early this morning, we will head to the beach for our final session with the horses as they run along the shore of white sand. This is the perfect backdrop for photographing these attractive horses.

We will depart in the afternoon and head to the Luberon Valley. After a celebratory dinner to toast a successful first half of the trip, we will focus on the rolling hills of southern France. Tonight, you will be treated to photographing the beautiful city of Gordes by night from an elevated vantage point, just as the sun sets and the village lights begin to come on.

May 20–22, 2024: Over the next three days, we will be photographing a number of the beautiful medieval villages dotted around the Luberon Valley, perched on hillsides, each with its own unique charm and character. Narrow cobblestone streets, colorful window shutters, old wooden doors, stone fountains, vibrant spring flowers, and well-preserved ancient churches characterize these places and make great photographic subjects. On our first morning, we’ll be up early to photograph the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard , and then explore the medieval streets of Avignon, once the seat of Catholic Popes and home to the famous Pont d’Avignon , a World Heritage site.

Around the villages, we will also come across poppy fields, vineyards, and olive groves.

Among our favorite places in the Luberon are

  • The 12th century Abbey Notre-Dame de Sénanque.
  • The picturesque village of Ansouis is one of « Les Plus Beaux Villages de France,» meaning “the most beautiful villages of France.”
  • Rousillon, with its ochre-colored houses and quarry.

We will also visit the Roman city of Arles for some fabulous photography after dark. A favorite haunt of the celebrated artist Vincent Van Gogh, the centerpiece of the town is its wonderfully-preserved Roman amphitheater known as « Les Arenes ,» a smaller version of the Coliseum in Rome which is still used for entertainment today and which makes a perfect backdrop to the quiet narrow streets radiating from it. Every step in these places is immersed in history, and every picture will tell a story.

May 23, 2024: This morning, we’ll experience the vibrant color and bustle of a typical village market, a treat for the senses with all kinds of products on show – seasonal fruits and vegetables, olives, saucissons, cheese, crafts, and clothing, all set out in stalls which fill the winding streets.

The village is built around a series of canals and boasts many small cafés, restaurants, and an old mill water wheel, all offering unique street photography opportunities.

We’ll then travel the short distance to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, famous for its medieval castle ruins overlooking the vineyards, a picturesque ambiance with narrow streets, traditional Provençal architecture, and a central square featuring local shops and cafes. Today’s restaurant lunch is a treat: the exceptional Le Verger des Papes boasts a picture-perfect location atop the hills overlooking the entire valley, and the food is fantastic! After lunch, we’ll visit the oldest vineyard in Provence, Château de la Nerthe, enjoying a tour and tutored tasting of the wines. Finally, we’ll see the Brotte Museum of Wine.

May 24, 2024: After breakfast, we’ll return to Marseille.

Gallery

Fitness

Moderate: Will be standing in thigh-high water with hip waders. Easy walks along cobblestone streets.

Flights

Arrive Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur anytime on May 15, 2024. Flights out can be made anytime on May 24, 2024. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

  • Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,000 supplement.
  • All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
  • All permits and park fees.
  • All transportation during the workshop.
  • Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
  • English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
  • Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
  • Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
  • Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

  • Travel to and from Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
  • Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
  • Anything else specifically not listed as included.
  • Single rooming available for $1,000 supplement.

Payment Terms

  • Your deposit of $4,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
  • Further payment of $3,000 is due by October 1, 2023.
  • The balance is due not later than February 1, 2024.
  • All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Testimonials

“Kevin was a wonderful pro. We all loved working with him. The trip was non-stop adventure and excitement and exceeded my expectations. Captain Dennis and his boat - top notch! ”

— Linda Scher, Alaska Wildlife '22

“You guys always put your heart and soul into these trips, and it shows—can't wait for more adventures :). ”

— Chellie Hyre, Svalbard '16

“This is where the workshop shone for me. This was my first Muench trip although I've attended other workshops. Sometimes, instructors teach in the classroom and during critiques, but only toss out tips in the field. With students having varying degrees of knowledge they seem to settle somewhere in the middle for instruction. This wasn't the case with Kevin. He met people where they were with their photography skills. He was polite, tactful and very perceptive about coaching us where we needed help. ”

— Lisa Hollandsworth, Paris '22

Cyber Monday Sale!

$750 Off Any Workshop

Sign up for any workshop before midnight, November 28, 2023, and we’ll apply your $750 discount to your final balance payment.

Cyber Monday Sale!

$750 Off Any Workshop

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Sign up for any workshop before midnight, November 28, 2023, and we’ll apply your $750 discount to your final balance payment.